Saudi Arabia Declares Friday for Eid al Fitr Celebration

Saudi Arabia has announced that the Eid al Fitr celebration marking the end of the Ramadan fast will begin on Friday.

According to a statement by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed that Thursday completes the 30th day of Ramadan, making Friday the first day of Eid.

Eid al Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic celebrations, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon in line with the Muslim lunar calendar. The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the core pillars of Islam, requiring abstinence from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours, while also encouraging acts of charity and compassion for the less privileged.

Mecca and Medina, home to Islam’s holiest sites including the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, witness massive gatherings of worshippers during the period.

However, this year’s Ramadan and upcoming Eid celebrations come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has impacted the region through a series of missile strikes and air raids.

Despite the tensions, Muslims across the world are expected to mark the festival with prayers, family gatherings, and acts of charity.